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Plumbing Contractors in Tempe, Arizona

Avg. Hourly Wage

$32.22/hr

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Avg. Annual Wage

$67,018/yr

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Licensed Establishments

2,376

U.S. Census Bureau

Peak Season

June through September - monsoon season brings flooding and pipe failures, plus pre-winter prep work

Estimate

Avg. Response Time

24-48 hours for quotes, same-day for emergency calls

Estimate

Common Job Costs

ServiceCost Range
Basic drain cleaning$125 – $300
Water heater installation$800 – $2,200
Kitchen sink replacement$350 – $800
Toilet installation$200 – $500
Sewer line repair$1,200 – $4,500
Emergency service call$150 – $400

Licensing Requirements

Licensing Requirements

Arizona Registrar of Contractors requires R-5 Plumbing license. Must pass business management exam and trade exam, show 4 years experience or related degree, maintain $7500 bond, carry liability insurance. Renewal every 2 years with continuing education requirements.

Permit Requirements

City of Tempe requires permits for water heater replacement, fixture installation, repiping, and sewer work. Permits range $50-200. Emergency repairs under $1000 may be exempt but must be reported within 24 hours.

Inspection Schedule

Rough-in inspection before covering work, final inspection after completion. Schedule 24 hours in advance through Tempe Building Department. Re-inspections incur additional fees.

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required if employees. Bond requirement $7,500 for residential, up to $100,000 for commercial work.

How to Get Licensed

  1. 1

    Meet experience requirements

    Document 4 years of plumbing experience or complete approved apprenticeship program. Alternative: relevant degree plus 2 years experience.

  2. 2

    Study for examinations

    Prepare for both business management exam covering contractor law, accounting, and project management, plus trade-specific plumbing exam.

  3. 3

    Submit application

    Complete ROC application with experience documentation, references, and financial statements. Include $290 application fee.

  4. 4

    Pass required exams

    Schedule and pass both business management and R-5 plumbing trade examinations at approved testing centers.

  5. 5

    Obtain bond and insurance

    Secure $7,500 contractor bond and minimum liability insurance coverage before license approval.

  6. 6

    Receive license

    Upon approval, receive R-5 license valid for 2 years. Begin 14-hour continuing education requirement for first renewal.

About This Market

Tempe's plumbing market runs hot and steady. With 2376 licensed establishments statewide and growing residential development, competition is real but work stays consistent. Desert conditions beat up pipes - calcium buildup, UV damage, ground shift from monsoons. Water heater replacements and emergency drain calls drive volume. Labor runs $32.22/hour median, but experienced hands pull more in this market. Emergency work during monsoon season and summer peak demand can double standard rates. Getting licensed in Arizona means jumping through the Registrar of Contractors hoops - R-5 classification requires proving 4 years experience, passing both business and trade exams, posting bond, and maintaining insurance. Tempe's permitting process is straightforward but strictly enforced. Summer heat creates urgency that customers will pay for, but monsoon season brings the real money with flood damage and emergency calls. Know your seasonal rhythms, keep emergency response capability, and don't cut corners on permits - Tempe inspectors know their business and will red-tag sloppy work.

Data Sources:

Median hourly wage: Bureau of Labor StatisticsLicensed establishments count: US Census BureauLicensing requirements: Arizona Registrar of ContractorsPermit requirements: Tempe Building DepartmentInsurance minimums: Arizona Registrar of Contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need to work as a plumber in Tempe, AZ?▾
You need an R-5 Plumbing license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. This requires 4 years experience, passing business and trade exams, $7,500 bond, and liability insurance. Source: Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
How much do plumbers make in Arizona?▾
Median hourly wage is $32.22 per hour or $67,018 annually according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Experienced contractors and emergency service providers typically earn above median rates.
Do I need permits for plumbing work in Tempe?▾
Yes, Tempe requires permits for water heater installation, fixture replacement, repiping, and sewer work. Permits cost $50-200. Emergency repairs under $1000 may be exempt but must be reported within 24 hours to Tempe Building Department.
When is peak season for plumbing work in Tempe?▾
June through September during monsoon season brings highest demand due to flooding, pipe failures, and heat-related equipment breakdowns. Emergency calls can command premium rates during this period.
How many plumbing contractors operate in Arizona?▾
Approximately 2,376 licensed plumbing establishments operate statewide according to Census data, creating competitive but steady market conditions with consistent work availability.

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